Anupam Kher has said that the intent to return awards instituted by the government like the Sahitya Akademi award, the National Films Award or the Padma awards are motivated to tarnish India's image. Kher, whose wife Kirron Kher is the BJP MP from Chandigarh, accused the 'Award Wapsi Gang' of being politically motivated.

Subhash K Jha speaks to Anupam Kher... 

For the first time,  the outspoken Anupam Kher is quiet about his plans.

When I quiz him about eyebrow-raising plans to undertake a march to the Rashtrapati Bhavan on November 7 to protest against artistes who have returned their awards as a mark of protest, Anupam answers cautiously, "Yes, it's a fact. I am undertaking an anti-awardsvapsi march on the morning of November 7 to Rashtrapati  Bhavan. I've an appointment with President Pranab Mukherjee at 10 am. And that's all I am willing to tell you right now," Kher says.

When I quiz him on how much support he has from within the film and theatre fraternity for this unusual protest against the protesters, Kher shoots back, "There is support, of course, thought it may not be direct or open. The march on November 7 is not about numbers. It's about conviction. Even if I've to march alone to the Rashtrapti Bhavan on November 7,  I'll do so."